Robin Williams was suffering from the early stages of Parkinson's Disease at the time of his apparent suicide, according to a statement released by his wife.

"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child - Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid," his wife Susan Schneider said in a statement, reports NBC News.

"It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid," Schneider said.